The many free movies are possible because of Crackle. The premium collection of free movies are from Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Classics, all Sony-owned labels.

Sony Blu-Ray player owners know this widget “Crackle” which streams free movies and has vast collection of TV shows as well. Crackle’s free content comes with commercial breaks and ads that cannot be fast forwarded. Crackle is now a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Sony purchased Crackle in 2006 for $65 million dollars.

Youtube (with Sony’s Crackle) vs. Hulu

In a way Crackle is Sony’s answer to Hulu which is co-owned by NBC, Fox and Disney. Sony made sure Crackle is available as app in iPad, iPod Touch, iPhones. All Sony made PCs, play station and internet connected TVs, Blu-Ray DVD players has Crackle app. At the same time Google’s answer to raising Hulu’s competition in movies. Youtube currently offering movies, TV shows and content from studios such as Crackle/Sony Pictures, CBS, MGM, Lionsgate, Starz, the BBC, Anime Network, Cinetic Rights Management, Current TV, Discovery, Documentary Channel, First Look Studios, IndieFlix, National Geographic and more.